Album of the Day

Members of The Meters were longstanding musical luminaries in New Orleans, but by the time of 1975’s FIRE ON THE BAYOU, the world beyond the Big Easy had also taken notice; The Rolling Stones tapped the band to open their U.S. tour that year. Produced by the great Allen Toussaint at his Sea-Saint Studios, the collection was the quintet’s third for Reprise and arguably their best for the label. With percussionist Cyril Neville joining the ranks, the grooves get even funkier on these 11 tracks, as a couple of fine covers (“Mardi Gras Mambo”) join ace originals like “Out in the Country,” “They All Ask'd For You,” and the title track. Gritty and punchy, FIRE ON THE BAYOU simmers from start to finish.